Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer

03/07/2024

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #117 with the team at Affinity Esports!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Affinity Esports is Connecticut’s premier organization for healthier gaming experiences for all generations. Affinity is on a mission to redefine the gaming world, blending wellness, education, and inclusivity into every aspect of esports. Their vision is a future where gaming is a beacon of positive impact, fostering a community deeply rooted in healthy experiences and united by a shared passion for the game.

I had such a great time chatting with Mark Kilpatrick, Emily Kilpatrick, Dr. Roger Caramanica, and Kate Petersen, getting to know all the ins and outs of Affinity Esports! Thank you to the Affinity family for welcoming me into their beautiful space! Also, huge thanks to Josh Cyr of Variation Visuals for the amazing visuals and production!

Click below 👇🏻 to listen 🎧
https://linktr.ee/JeffSpencer

12/06/2024

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #116 with the great & powerful Sam Reyes!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Sam Reyes is the owner and head bartender of Mariposa Taqueria, a Latin-American inspired restaurant located in the City of Danbury which was formerly know as Mezon. Sam is a member of the Reyes family, which owns incredible establishments around Danbury and the state such as Mina's Carne & Deli, Amigo's Deli & Groceries, and Mẹcha Noodle Bar. Recently, Sam took home the award for “Bartender of the Year” at the 2023 Connecticut Restaurant Association CRAZIES Awards show at Foxwoods Resort Casino, which honors the best of the best in our states incredible industry.

Sam and I had such a fun conversation. Mariposa is one of my favorite places to eat, and Sam has been making me killer cocktails for years. I always thought Sam was super underrated, and I am glad that he finally got his due, and is taking the industry by storm. Even more excited that he could come on the show and tell us his story and industry journey.

Click 👇🏻 here to listen 🎧👂🏻
https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer

Episode Sponsors:
Amber Room Colonnade 🎉
Uncle Matt's Bakery and Cafe 🥖
Holmes Fine Gardens🌲

26/04/2024

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #115 with the great & powerful Jonathan Mendonca!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Fellow Brookfield resident Jonathan Mendonca is the author of the best-selling book, “Life on Life’s Terms”, a fascinating and inspiring true story of going from 10 years of op**te addiction to 5 years of sobriety and all the lessons learned along the way. As Jon says: “This book is for anyone who wants to turn it around. It’s never too late.”

I had such a fantastic and deep conversation with Jon, diving into his background, why he decided to write his book, his new business venture on helping those struggling with addiction, his podcast, the reaction to the book, tools for parents with struggling youth, tools for anyone struggling, events he has coming up in the community, how to reach out for help, resources, and so much more!

Click 👇🏻 here to listen 🎧👂🏻
https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer

Episode Sponsors:
Amber Room Colonnade 🎉
Around Town Real Estate 🏡
Uncle Matt's Bakery and Cafe 🥖
Holmes Fine Gardens🌲
Reverie Brewing Company 🍺
Perfusion Bar🍸

15/04/2024

05/04/2024

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #114 with the great & powerful Seby Martinez & Kurt Vinci!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Seby Martinez & Kurt Vinci are the founders and owners of Negative Kitty, an indie studio headquartered in Brooklyn, New York that brings wickedly creative animation and video to artists and brands in need of a visual (and conceptual) edge.

Since it was established in 2021, Negative Kitty has worked with indie creators, major label music acts, and multimillion dollar companies in the Northeast and beyond. Their client work has been featured by Alternative Press, BrooklynVegan, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and a whole lot more. Currently, Negative Kitty is hard at work, finishing up their first cartoon pilot, Beef Creek, which will be released later this year.

I had such a fun conversation with Seby & Kurt, getting to know each of their backgrounds, how they came together to form Negative Kitty, some of their past and recent work, what their roles are, and everything in between. I also got the inside scoop on the highly anticipated debut of Beef Creek!

Click 👇🏻 here to listen 🎧👂🏻
https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer

Episode Sponsors:
Amber Room Colonnade 🎉
Around Town Real Estate 🏡
Uncle Matt's Bakery and Cafe 🥖
Holmes Fine Gardens🌲
Reverie Brewing Company 🍺
Perfusion Bar 🍸

16/02/2024

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #113 with the great & powerful Douglas Polistena!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Doug Polistena is the General Manager & Owner of the Amber Room Colonnade, an award-winning premier catering venue and landmark, located in Danbury, CT since 1969. Doug has personally worked with and executed over 3,500 events including major galas, weddings, mitzvahs and corporate functions. Doug was also recently appointed as a new member of the Connecticut Restaurant Association Board of Directors.

Doug is one of the greatest human beings you could ever meet, and I was so glad he could join me for an episode of the show. We chatted all about the ins and outs of the Amber Room, how he got his start, and everything in-between!

Click 👇🏻 here to listen 🎧👂🏻
https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer

Episode Sponsors:
Amber Room Colonnade 🎉
Around Town Real Estate 🏡
Uncle Matt's Bakery and Cafe 🥖
Holmes Fine Gardens 🌲
Reverie Brewing Company 🍺
Perfusion Bar 🍸

24/11/2023

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #112 with the Umebroshi boys, the great & powerful Rob Haidar & Kyle Sorenson!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Kyle and Rob founded UMEBROSHI with a vision of creating food without the stereotypical toxicity present in many kitchens. As they say, they just wanted to have fun making food without all the bu****it, not looking to make their way up the social ladder or win awards.

Kyle & Rob are two incredible human beings and culinary savages cooking up killer Hawaiian-inspired eats. Lots of laughs were had and I know you are really going to enjoy THIS ONE!

Click 👇🏻 here to listen 🎧👂🏻
https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer

15/09/2023

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #111 with the great & powerful Cesar Collado!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Cesar Collado is a professional boxer currently residing in Danbury, Connecticut. Cesar represents Champs Boxing Club, also located in Danbury and owned by the legendary, Aj Galante of Danbury Trashers fame.

Cesar is also a master barber and has been serving clients in the Danbury area for 15 years. Currently Cesar works out of Legends Barber Co. located near the Danbury Mall, where we first met. Shoutout to the Legends fam, love you guys!

I had such an awesome conversation with Cesar, learning about his rise in boxing, his career as a barber, preparing for his first pro fight in Colombia, how he trains, and so much more!

Click 👇🏻 here to listen 🎧👂🏻
https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer

19/08/2023

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #110 with the great & powerful Casey Dohme!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Casey Dohme is the founder and owner of The Blind Rhino. The Blind Rhino is an award-winning Sports Bar with two brick & mortar locations in Fairfield County, CT! Their flagship location opened October 2015 in historic downtown South Norwalk, and their newest store launched in 2019 in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. Blind Rhino also has a food truck as well as TWO food trailers.

Blind Rhino has won over 25 awards for its wings! It has also been awarded the Best Sports Bar in Fairfield County 6 times at Best of the Gold Coast, and has been recognized every year by Connecticut Magazine in the Best Restaurants issue, for everything from Best Beer Bar, Best Pub, Best Chicken Wings & even Best Nachos!

I had such an awesome conversation with Casey, getting to learn about his journey through the food and hospitality industry, how the Blind Rhino came to be, the many wing competitions the Rhino has won, the building and development of the bar, what makes them stand out from other sports bars in the area, the charity tournaments they host, what the Rhino is up to today and so much more!

Click 👇🏻 to listen 🎧
https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer

Thank you to our sponsors!
Around Town Real Estate
BD Provisions
Uncle Matt's Bakery and Cafe
jjStacks

31/07/2023

Woah! Super awesome write up on the podcast! Thank you so much The Barrel Age!

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: The Heartwarming Connecticut Podcast You Didn't Know You Needed If you're looking for a podcast that combines love for local food and beverages with heartwarming stories from people who are making a difference in Connecticut, look no further than Sweet'N Up with Jeff Sp...

14/07/2023

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #109 with the great & powerful Matt Sedlak!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Matthew Sedlak is the founder and owner of Perfusion Bar located in Newtown, CT. At Perfusion Bar, Matt demonstrates his love for quality cocktails and his extensive experience in the mixed drink space. Sedlak has traveled extensively, always on the hunt for the best cocktails and previously owned the legendary Highland Brass Co. in Waterbury, CT.

I had an awesome, and extremely interesting conversation with Matt, getting to learn about his passion for cocktails, his travels, his favorite drinks, and all you need to know about Perfusion Bar!

➡️ 🎧 https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer 🎧 ⬅️

Thank you to our sponsors ❤️:
Uncle Matt's Bakery and Cafe
BD Provisions
Around Town Real Estate

19/05/2023

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #108 with the great & powerful DJ Darth Fader!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

DJ Darth Fader, known as Brandon Blain, is an individual who brings the party, the entertainment, and is one of the better known DJ’s in the area. If you’ve ever experienced Connecticut nightlife or have strolled around the center of any Connecticut town at night, you’ll hear music pumping at every corner. It’s very likely one of those DJs is the one and only DJ Darth Fader.

I had an awesome, and extremely interesting conversation with Brandon, getting to know more about the life of a DJ, celebrities he’s shared the stage with, how he became a DJ, where you can find him doing his thing, stories of his early days, how the art has evolved, and so much more!

➡️ 🎧 https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer 🎧 ⬅️

Thank you to our sponsors ❤️:
Uncle Matt's Bakery and Cafe
BD Provisions
Around Town Real Estate

28/04/2023

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #107 with the great & powerful Amanda Tambascio!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Amanda Tambascio is the founder and owner of Kash & Liv Coffee Creations in Newtown, CT. Launched on Labor Day 2022, and serving delicious coffee made with whole ingredients and no additives, Kash & Liv Coffee Creations has been taking the local area by storm.

You can find Kash & Liv at its home base of My Place Restaurant, at NewSylum Brewing Company starting this May, and at various other pop-up events.

I had a wonderful conversation with Amanda about her story, where she’s from, how she became a part of the Tambascio family, and how she juggles a full-time job, being a mother of 2 little ones, and also working to take Kash & Liv to amazing new heights.

➡️ 🎧 https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer 🎧 ⬅️

Thank you to our sponsors ❤️:
Uncle Matt's Bakery and Cafe
BD Provisions
Around Town Real Estate

24/03/2023

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #106 with the great & powerful, Chris Papallo!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Chris Papallo is the founder and owner of Eredità Beer. Having brewed beer for years under the eyes of some of the best in the world, Chris moved back to Connecticut and began his beer brand in November of 2022. Eredita is already pumping out some of the tastiest beers in the state. Currently, Chris brews his beer out of Twelve Percent Beer Project located in North Haven, CT, with his sights set on opening a brewery in his home base of Litchfield County. Here on Sweet’ N Up Podcast we were extremely honored to have the opportunity to dive into Chris’ exclusive story about how he got to where he is today. Believe me when I tell you, this gentleman is taking the beer world by storm.

➡️ Click here 👇🏻 to listen👂🏻⬅️
https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer

24/02/2023

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #105 with a gentleman who makes me laugh like no one else, the wonderful & kind Andrew Singer!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Andy Singer is a comedian and retired detective hailing from the great state of New Jersey. He currently works behind the scenes with comedian Donnell Rawlings, most notably of The Chapelle Show, making people laugh all over the internet. He also has his own podcast, called The Bearded Babble, in which he talks to his family, comedians, entrepreneurs, chefs and other interesting people. In his career Andy has taken the stage at the legendary Caroline's Comedy Club, and is the man behind , , and on Instagram.

I had such a fun chat with Andy via ZOOM. We talked about his background, his journey, his relationship with his son Jayden, how he met Donnell Rawlings, how he ended up in the Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, the ups and downs of life, and so much more!

➡️ Click here 👇🏻 to listen👂🏻⬅️
https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer

10/02/2023

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #104 [and our first of 2023] with a broadcasting legend, the great & powerful, Dennis House!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Recently named “Best Anchor” by Connecticut Magazine, Emmy award winning Dennis House is one of the most experienced and highly regarded broadcast journalists in Connecticut. He has been a mainstay on our television screens for more than 30 years. Dennis can currently be seen co-anchoring the 6 and 11 o’clock newscasts with Ann Nyberg weeknights on WTNH News 8, Connecticut’s ABC station, as well as hosting "This Week in Connecticut," a new Sunday morning program.

I was so excited to chat with Dennis inside of the WTNH studios in New Haven. What a total blast and fun conversation!

⬇️ Click below to listen👂🏻⬇️
https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer

20/01/2023

Had an amazing time tonight with Dennis House, Ann Nyberg, Joe Furey Meteorologist and the entire team at WTNH News 8!

Our conversation with Dennis House for the podcast comes out in a few weeks! Stay tuned! Love yews! 😘

30/12/2022

What’s up, beautiful people!? My last podcast of 2022 is here!

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #103 with professional athlete, my buddy from high school, Mr. Will Arndt!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Will Ardnt is a professional quarterback and quarterbacks coach from Newtown, Connecticut. Will was most recently signed by the Ottawa REDBLACKS of the Canadian Football League (CFL). A graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Will defied the odds and is now living his dream. Will has also appeared in movies such as the HBO movie Paterno, in which he portrayed Penn State play caller Matt McGloin, and Lionsgate Films American Underdog in which he portrayed the legendary Kurt Warner.

I was so excited to chat with Will right here in Brookfield while he was home for Thanksgiving. We covered his high school playing days, his days at Westconn, his workouts with current NFL superstars, his CFL signing, and so much more!

⬇️ Click below to listen👂🏻⬇️
https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer

20/12/2022

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #102 with returning guest from Season 1, my guy, Andy Sachs!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Andy Sachs is one of the country’s top-producing real estate professionals. When we last spoke to Andy, he was at the helm of the Newtown-based Around Town Real Estate Team, a member of Keller Williams. We spoke to him about how the COVID-19 pandemic was impacting the real estate market in our area and beyond.

Fast forward two years later, and Andy is now leading Around Town Real Estate, his own real estate firm with no more ties to Keller Williams. Best part, he’s still located in my hometown of Newtown, CT, and is still the nicest human being around!

Andy and his team of real estate professionals are some of the best and I had a blast chatting with Andy yet again for the show. We touched on how the market is doing today, what his new firm has to offer the residents of Newtown and beyond, what he’s been up to the last two years since we chatted, his advice for those thinking of selling or buying, and so much more!

⬇️ Click below to listen👂🏻⬇️
https://linktr.ee/jeffspencer

18/11/2022

We. Back. Baby.

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #101 with my man, Christopher Hodson.

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Christopher Hodson is the man behind Cooked In Connecticut, an Instagram page and blog that features incredible photos and reviews of upscale dining. Christopher has worked his way through the ranks at many esteemed restaurants. Today, he is a sever at Materia Ristorante in Bantam, CT, which is quickly making waves as a serious culinary treasure since it’s opening last spring. Not only is Materia up for a Connecticut Restaurant Association award, but their Chef, David DiStasi, is nominated for Chef of the Year and Hodson himself is nominated as server of the year. As you can see, Materia is where it’s at and Christopher Hodson has his hand on the culinary pulse.

I had an absolute blast talking to Chris about his early days in the food industry, working at Michael Jordan's SteakHouse, how he ended up at Materia, his thoughts on being nominated for Server of the Year, his favorite places to eat, and so much more!

⬇️ Click below to listen 👂🏻⬇️
https://linktr.ee/JeffSpencer

09/09/2022

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode 💯, with the wing masters, the dynamic duo, Jason Carlucci & Joe Attonito!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Bronx native Jay Carlucci is the owner of the Dew Drop Inn, located in Derby, CT. The Dew Drop Inn is widely known for its multiple flavors of wings, of which there are almost 200! The Dew Drop Inn has won CT’s best wings countless times, was recently featured on Chef Robert Irvine’s “Cheat Day USA” on the Cooking Channel, and is a must-stop for wing fans all over the US.

Joe Attonito, returning guest from Season 2, Episode 72, is the founder and owner of jjStacks - a local burger, dog and sandwich joint located on Federal Road in Brookfield, CT. Besides the incredible breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and dogs, Joe is also known for his incredibly delicious wings and sauces. jjStacks is the ultimate place for a fun day with the family or friends. Take it from me! You might just see me there!

I had an absolute blast talking to Joe and Jay right here in Brookfield, CT. We talked everything from wings to early beginnings, life lessons, ups and downs, renovations, pandemics, wing sauces, the industry, and so much more! Huge thanks once again to jjStacks for providing breakfast!

Click below 👇🏻 to listen
https://linktr.ee/JeffSpencer

19/08/2022

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #99, with my
brothers, the dynamic duo, Ryan Orell & Rich Beck!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Ryan O Rell is an up-and-coming force of nature. A recent high school graduate, Ryan is a pro athlete at 18 years old. He is sponsored by Madd Gear - MGP Action Sports, the World’s No 1 Pro Scooter brand, established in 2002. As a multi-talented individual, Ryan also excels at skateboarding, BMX, and parkour. Ryan has his sights set on one day becoming a member of the Red Bull family.

Rich Beck is the founder and owner of Swimming Co - a growing Skateboard company and brand based in Fairfield County. Rich is also a skateboarding teacher and runs multiple skateboarding camps. As a veteran skateboarder in our community, he has helped guide our youth to exceptional results. Rich and I go way back. It was awesome to catch up with him and discuss the positive impact he’s had on the next generation.

This is was a long conversation, but one I enjoyed so much. We touched on skateboarding, life, and so much more.

Click below 👇🏻 to listen
https://linktr.ee/JeffSpencer

21/07/2022

Brand new merch store is here!!!

https://www.candlewoodgear.com/jeff-spencer-sweet-n-up

21/07/2022

It is here!

The brand new Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer merch store! 👕

We are so thrilled about this new partnership with Candlewood Gear working with a local company right here in the town the podcast is based in - beautiful Brookfield, CT.

Huge thanks to Matt Schoenberg and his team!

24/06/2022

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer: Episode #95 with the man, the myth, the legend, Andrew Dominick!

⚠️LINK BELOW⚠️

Andrew Dominick is a popular food journalist hailing from Norwalk, CT. His work can be seen on CTbites and Westchester Bites, and in Westchester Magazine, Hudson Valley Magazine, The Beverage Journal (In CT and RI), Connecticut Magazine, Fairfield Living Magazine, and more! When he’s not writing, he's honing his bartending skills, exploring restaurants, and practicing martial arts.

In Part 1 of this 2-part podcast episode, Andrew and I covered his early days growing up in Norwalk, what he’s been up to recently, how and where we first met and, of course, all things FOOD! Stay tuned next week for Part 2!

Click below 👇🏻 to listen
https://linktr.ee/JeffSpencer